Automated Tracker-Driven Image Selection for Surgical Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided surgery systems face challenges in efficiently correlating high-quality 3D diagnostic images with distorted fluoroscopic images, leading to complex and time-consuming initialization protocols, which affects the accuracy and speed of intraoperative navigation, especially in procedures like pedicle screw placement in the spine.
Innovation Solution
An automated tracker-driven image selection method that determines the location of a tracked device and automatically sorts and displays the most relevant image set, allowing for precise tool positioning without extensive point-by-point initialization, using a system comprising an electromagnetic field generator and sensor to calculate the device's location and register it with patient data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated tracker-driven image selection is implemented, then image correlation speed and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases due to electromagnetic tracking system integration
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and correlates images based on the tracked device's position without requiring manual intervention. The electromagnetic tracking system self-determines the device location and triggers automated image retrieval and correlation, eliminating the need for surgeon involvement in the image selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical image selection processes with an automated electromagnetic tracking-based system. Instead of manual point-by-point initialization and image correlation, the system uses electromagnetic field detection to automatically determine device position and trigger computational image correlation.
2Measurement precision
If manual point-by-point initialization is used, then registration accuracy can be controlled, but procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-registration by detecting the tracked device's position through electromagnetic fields and automatically correlating it with patient imaging data. This eliminates the time-consuming manual point-by-point initialization while maintaining registration accuracy through computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic registration by establishing the relationship between the tracked device and patient anatomy before the surgical procedure begins. The electromagnetic tracking system pre-correlates device position data with imaging data, so that during the procedure, the system is ready to immediately provide accurate navigation without requiring time-consuming initialization.
3Measurement precision
If extensive registration protocols are performed, then image correlation accuracy is improved, but the number of x-ray exposures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electromagnetic tracking system's automatic position detection to self-determine the device location without requiring additional x-ray exposures for registration. The tracking system leverages existing imaging data and computational algorithms to achieve accurate correlation without repeated radiographic exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for extensive x-ray-based registration protocols with an electromagnetic field-based tracking system. Instead of using multiple x-ray exposures to establish spatial relationships, the system uses electromagnetic field detection and computational correlation to achieve the same registration accuracy with significantly reduced radiation exposure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of image-guided surgery by simplifying the image correlation process, reducing the need for extensive registration and minimizing the number of x-ray exposures, while allowing for precise tool positioning and reduced computational intensity.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic tracking systems may employ coils as receivers and transmitters. Electromagnetic tracking systems may be configured in sets of three transmitter coils and three receiver coils... Magnetic fields generated by the transmitter coil(s) may be detected by the receiver coil(s) for obtained parameter measurements, position and orientation information may be determined for the transmitter and/or receiver coil(s).
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for automated tracker-driven image selection. The method includes determining a location of a tracked device and automatically sorting an image set based at least in part on the location of the tracked device.